Roussillon roman: l’abbatiale Saint-André de Saint-André-de-Sorède
What is today the parish church in the village of Saint-André-de-Sorède in the département of Pyrénées-Orientales is all that remains from an ancient Benedictine abbey founded in the early 800s by Abbot Miro or Miron on land donated by King and Emperor Louis the First, son of Charlemagne and known as “the Pious” or “the Debonair”. Listed as a Historic Landmark in 1910, this remarkable church was built over three distinct campaigns, the first one dating back to the 900s. Partly destroyed by invasions, the church was rebuilt during the 11th century, then vaulted during the 12th century. Those three campaigns are clearly visible in the masonry, as we will see.
The church is also remarkable for its decoration, and we will look closely at the lintel on the western gable wall, at a large window on the same wall, and of course at the magnificent altar table which is, in my opinion, the main masterpiece featured in this old abbey church.
Saint-André is the last church from my photo trip of November 2023 through the southern French provinces of Languedoc and Roussillon.
A closeup view of the tympanum and lintel. You can zoom in if you wish, to view the details.
Roussillon roman: l’abbatiale Saint-André de Saint-André-de-Sorède
What is today the parish church in the village of Saint-André-de-Sorède in the département of Pyrénées-Orientales is all that remains from an ancient Benedictine abbey founded in the early 800s by Abbot Miro or Miron on land donated by King and Emperor Louis the First, son of Charlemagne and known as “the Pious” or “the Debonair”. Listed as a Historic Landmark in 1910, this remarkable church was built over three distinct campaigns, the first one dating back to the 900s. Partly destroyed by invasions, the church was rebuilt during the 11th century, then vaulted during the 12th century. Those three campaigns are clearly visible in the masonry, as we will see.
The church is also remarkable for its decoration, and we will look closely at the lintel on the western gable wall, at a large window on the same wall, and of course at the magnificent altar table which is, in my opinion, the main masterpiece featured in this old abbey church.
Saint-André is the last church from my photo trip of November 2023 through the southern French provinces of Languedoc and Roussillon.
A closeup view of the tympanum and lintel. You can zoom in if you wish, to view the details.